AFC Totton
Photo courtesy of Ben Cole
By Cameron Meech
AFC Totton edged out promotion hopefuls Dorking Wanderers 2-1 at the Snows Stadium.
Alfie Merritt's first Stags goal was cancelled out by Harry Sidwell’s superb strike on the hour before Christie Ward headed in the winner six minutes later.
Ryan Gosney was forced into early action, flicking over Jason Prior’s effort after the forward was found by Dennon Lewis.
Stags' top scorer Tony Lee then found the gloves of Harrison Foulkes after a clever flick on by Ash Clarke.
The Bournemouth loanee spurned a golden chance on the half hour, firing over unmarked after an excellent pass from Jacob Towns.
Dorking came within inches of opening the scoring after Eastleigh loanee Sam Pearson’s curling effort flashed past the far post on 35 minutes.
Lee almost produced the goal of the season on the stroke of half-time, with his 50-yard effort being flicked over by Foulkes.
The Stags broke the deadlock on the 56th minute through Alfie Merrit after Clarke’s pass deflected into the full-back on the goal line to tap home his first goal for the club.
Marc White’s side responded almost immediately when Harry Sidwell met Luke Hallett’s clearance to volley into the top right-hand corner on the hour mark.
Dorking skipper Charlie Carter came close to turning the game on its head with his effort going through the hands of Gosney but went wide.
However, it was Scott Rendell’s side who restored their lead on the 66th minute after a pinpoint cross from Merrit found Christie Ward to head home.
Gosney kept the Stags’ lead intact, saving from Carter twice before thwarting Jake Lawrence's effort one-on-one.
Totton came close to wrapping up the game in second-half stoppage time when substitute Ralph Vigrass found Lee; however, his effort was saved by Foulkes.
Full time and second win in five for the Stags helps close the gap as they search for a top half finish in their first season at this level.
The Stags are back in action at the Snows Stadium on Tuesday evening when they host relegation-threatened Bath City.
AFC Totton XI: 13. Ryan Gosney, 2. Alfie Merritt, 5. Luke Hallett, 7. Ash Clarke (Malachi Linton 72’), 10. Tony Lee, 17. Dec Rose, 19. Christie Ward, 24. Vaughn Covil (Ralph Vigrass 68’), 26. Tyler Cordner (C), 27. Craig Tanner, & 28. Jacob Towns.
Unused subs: 9. Scott Rendell & 32. Dylan Andrews.
Attendance: 1,855
GO STAGS
